Information from National Highways South West:
https://nationalhighways.co.uk/roads-and-travel/road-projects/south-west/a417-missing-link/
New, permanent road layout opening on 18 September
Drivers will begin using a new section of the A417 Missing Link scheme from 6am on Friday 18 September 2026, marking a significant milestone in the delivery of the upgrade between Gloucester and Cirencester.
Drivers will start using the new permanent route for north and southbound journeys between Gloucester, Cirencester, Cheltenham and Oxford.
Please note that the traffic switch date may change due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances.
Any updates will be published on this webpage and shared through our email distribution list.
Weekend and overnight road closures
To safely complete the switch, the A417 will be closed in both directions between the A46 Brockworth Junction and the Air Balloon roundabout during the following periods:
- 11pm Friday 11 to 6am Monday 14 September (24/7 weekend closure)
- Monday 14 to Wednesday 16 September overnight (9pm-6am)
- Thursday 17 September overnight (9pm – 6am)
The new A436 and A417 will also be closed in both directions between the Air Balloon and Ullenwood roundabout and A429 Burford Road overnight:
- Wednesday 16 September (9pm – 6am)
These activities may generate some noise while we’re working.
We’ll maintain access for emergency services throughout.
Fully signed diversion routes will be in place during all closures.
Please follow the official diversion routes rather than sat-navs.
What to expect
Following the traffic switch, drivers travelling northbound from Cirencester towards Gloucester will continue directly along the new A417 without leaving the route at Shab Hill junction.
Southbound traffic travelling from Gloucester will continue straight ahead towards Cowley junction and Cirencester on the new A417, following the removal of the Air Balloon roundabout.
The new B4070 leading to Birdlip and the northbound slip road at Cowley junction will open later this year. Access to Birdlip will remain via the existing route through Cowley junction.
Traffic changes for journeys from Cheltenham and Oxford
The new road layout will bring significant changes for motorists travelling to Gloucester from Cheltenham via Leckhampton Hill and from Oxford via Seven Springs and the A436.
There will no longer be a direct route from Cheltenham and Oxford to Gloucester. Instead, traffic will use the new A436 to reach Shab Hill junction, where drivers can either:
- continue towards Cirencester, or
- use the underpass to access the northbound slip road towards Gloucester
To help road users understand the changes, diagrams and information about the new layout are available below.
